INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The northern parking lot in front of the recently opened Party Treasures just south of Sebastian was a sea of chrome, leather, stuffed animals and toys as 251 bikers from around Indian River and neighboring counties gathered before ABATE’s annual toy run.
As the bikers took their positions as the parade was about to begin, they started to fire up their engines. First one, then another and another. In moments, the sound was almost a deafening thunder topped with sporadic honking in lieu of cheering.
Motorcycles were decked out in holiday best, with wreaths, Santa hats and even reindeer antlers. Passengers waved to onlookers as they passed by. Others rang bells and gave thumbs up signs.
Safe Space and the Homeless Family Center were the beneficiaries of the second annual toy run, organized by ABATE of Florida, Inc./Treasure Coast Chapter. ABATE stands for American Bikers Aimed Toward Education.
Last year’s event attracted about 100 bikers. This year, the event more than doubled – and attracted Santa and Mrs. Claus, who took a break from the final preparations before Christmas Eve to be a part of the toy run.
“It’s for the kids,” Santa said, adding that they were happy to get away from the ice and snow of the North Pole, but Sunday’s temperature in Florida was more than he had bargained for.
“The heat is a little difficult for Mr. Claus,” Santa said, with a chuckle.
He and Mrs. Claus brought toys and even bedding from the North Pole to give to the Homeless Family Center and Safe Space. They led the parade of motorcycles down Indian River Drive in Sebastian south to the Moose Lodge in Vero Beach.
“I’m overjoyed,” said ABATE Treasure Coast President Steve Kliemisch. “This is an event we want to grow every year.”
Eleven law enforcement officers on motorcycles gave the ABATE Toy Run a police escort from the starting point to the lodge. Officers from Indian River and Brevard’s sheriff’s offices and from the Sebastian and Melbourne police departments participated.
“When it’s for a cause, it shows the true nature of people,” said Sgt. Albert Iovino, from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Biker Julie Stokes rode down from Melbourne to take part in the annual toy run.
“I’ve been in the same position,” she said of the children in need. “I know what it’s like to not know if a present is coming.”
Stokes had planned to donate one boy’s toy – a black sports car. But she had a change of heart and doubled her donation – adding a girl’s toy.
“This is the spirit of the holidays,” said Stokes’ riding partner, Steve Salisbury. “It brings out the good in people.”
Christina Bryant, a nurse at the Indian River Medical Center, got off work in time to participate in the toy run.
“It’s a good thing to do,” she said. “And it’s a beautiful day.”
She had two stuffed animals tethered to the passenger’s seat – a piggy and a green alien-monster type creature.
“I had to have something pink,” Bryant said of the pig, adding about the other creature, “and this is just goofy looking.”
